The Texas General Land Office has ordered a federal border wall contractor to stop construction after the company allegedly entered state-owned land in Presidio County without permission and damaged the property.
In a cease-and-desist notice dated Friday, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said Barnard Construction, a contractor hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, trespassed across and substantially altered the topography of land managed by the GLO.
According to the notice, Barnard illegally entered sections 70, 71, 78 and 80 and used heavy construction equipment to blade the terrain and remove all vegetation in its path. Photographs attached to the notice reportedly show extensive damage.
The affected property is part of a larger hunting and grazing lease held by Trans Pecos Ice LLC, known as Trans Pecos. The company leases an estimated 3,000 acres of land from the state.
The GLO said neither Trans Pecos nor Barnard had permission to modify, excavate or build on the property. It added that no written authorization had been issued to Trans Pecos, Barnard or CBP.
“Barnard is hereby notified to cease and desist all excavation and construction operations on these GLO lands immediately,” Buckingham wrote.
The agency also demanded written confirmation that Barnard would stop entering or working on the property without authorization. Within two business days, Barnard must provide the names and contact information of the individuals who directed the construction activity.
The GLO further ordered Barnard to repair all damaged land and return it to its original condition.
The agency said it wants Barnard to work with CBP and Trans Pecos on a restoration plan to prevent further damage to state property.
The GLO warned that it reserves the right to pursue legal action over the alleged trespass and property damage.
